The horse racing world is mourning the loss of Mike Grech, the big-spending former owner of star horses such as Brandy Love and I Am Maximus. The sad news was shared on social media by his long-time friend and former co-owner, Stuart Parkin.
The End of an Era
Last July, Grech announced that he was selling his horses and taking a break from the sport after his business faced financial difficulties. As a result, his two prized racehorses, Brandy Love and I Am Maximus, were sold privately to Joe Donnelly and JP McManus respectively.
Under the ownership of McManus, I Am Maximus went on to win the prestigious Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in April, trained by Willie Mullins.
A Major Force in British Jumps Racing
In 2015, Grech and his close friend Parkin became a force to be reckoned with in British jumps racing. They made significant investments in horses like River Wylde, Claimantakinforgan, and Mr Whipped.
Unfortunately, Parkin's enthusiasm for the sport waned over time, leading to the horses being sold as part of a massive dispersal. Grech admitted that they had gone too big too quickly, adding immense pressure to their operation.
A Story of Ups and Downs
Although Grech faced setbacks, he remained committed to the sport. In 2020, he made headlines by splurging on horses Gallyhill and Keskonrisk for staggering amounts of £450,000 and £370,000 respectively. While these investments didn't result in major successes, Grech did have a significant win with the high-class mare Brandy Love.
Tributes Pour In
The horse racing community is mourning the loss of Mike Grech, with fans and personalities expressing their condolences. Adele Mulrennan from ITV Racing shared her sorrow and recounted her experiences looking after Grech's horses. Racing enthusiasts reminisced about the joy and excitement Grech exuded during races.
More information about this tragic loss will be provided as it becomes available.
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